Public invited to weigh in on SaskPower rate increase plan

By Ian MacKay

People may comment on SaskPower’s plan to increase its power rates during a session in Saskatoon on Thursday.

The province’s rate review panel is staging a public meeting to “provide an opportunity for SaskPower, its stakeholders and the public to make presentations and provide additional feedback” on the company’s application, a panel statement said.

People will be able to take part in person or online through the panel’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/saskratereview.

The panel provides the minister responsible for the Crown Investments Corporation “with an opinion regarding the fairness and reasonableness of the proposed rate request, while balancing the interest of the customer, the Crown corporation and the public,” the statement said. Premier Scott Moe’s cabinet makes the final decision.

“It is important that people have access to the information, ask questions and can express their opinions regarding the rate application,” said Al Johnston, who chairs the panel.

The meeting in the Starlight Room at the Sheraton Cavalier Hotel begins at 4 p.m.

The application and related documents appear on the panel’s website, www.saskratereview.ca, where people may also make comments and where the panel’s final report will appear.

People may also mail their thoughts to 400-2400 College Ave., Regina, S4P 1C8, e-mail the panel at feedback@saskratereview.ca or leave a message at 1-877-368-7075 (toll-free).